EP1080331B1 - Air humidifier - Google Patents

Air humidifier Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1080331B1
EP1080331B1 EP00912455A EP00912455A EP1080331B1 EP 1080331 B1 EP1080331 B1 EP 1080331B1 EP 00912455 A EP00912455 A EP 00912455A EP 00912455 A EP00912455 A EP 00912455A EP 1080331 B1 EP1080331 B1 EP 1080331B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
porous body
air
membrane
air humidifier
water
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EP00912455A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1080331A2 (en
Inventor
Norbert Stroh
Eckehard Walitza
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Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
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Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
    • F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
    • F24F6/04—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using stationary unheated wet elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
    • F24F2006/006—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification with water treatment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for humidifying air as well as a process for humidification using this device.
  • Air of a certain humidity is in many cases desired or necessary, for example in air conditioning technology or medicine. Air from compressed air lines or bottles is usually too dry while ambient air shows large fluctuations in their moisture and often not in their composition meets the requirements.
  • the water evaporation pipe includes a water evaporation pipeline made of a porous hydrophobic polymer, for example Polyolefin, polycarbonate etc. This porous The inside of the hydrophobic pipe has a Layer of a hydrophilic water vapor permeable Material covered that has no pores having. That through the water evaporation pipe flowing water can therefore only be in the form of water vapor get into the environment from the line and humidify the air there.
  • the flow channels must be relatively large or Hollow fiber diameters must not be too small.
  • this has the disadvantage that none high packing density can be achieved.
  • the large-scale production of such modules not yet tried and will probably be a very involve complex procedures.
  • the present invention is therefore technical Problem with using a humidifier To provide the aforementioned disadvantages overcomes, especially a large contact area from water to air with little at the same time Provides flow pressure loss.
  • a humidifier comprising a membrane contactor, the Membrane contactor a hydrophilic, porous body and at least one in the hydrophilic, porous Body embedded microporous tubular membrane that permeable to water, but impermeable to Microorganisms and high molecular components is.
  • the invention is the hydrophilic, porous Body a body made of a ceramic material, hereinafter called ceramic body.
  • the body can be made exclusively from the ceramic material exist or in substantial quantities, preferably in an amount of more than 50% by weight, based on body weight.
  • ceramic coarse filters are used as they are for molten metal filtration be used.
  • the embodiment of the invention is the hydrophilic, porous body made of a polymer, that is consists of this polymer or contains this polymer in substantial amounts, preferably in an amount of more than 50 wt .-%, based on the Body weight.
  • hydrophilic porous bodies made of other materials if they are able to a distribution of water over a large surface to ensure.
  • organic or inorganic tissues or tissue-like structures are used, consisting of or containing essential parts, preferably more than 50% by weight (based on Body weight), porous thread material.
  • the body should be hydrophilic and a porous, that is have an enlarged surface structure.
  • Bodies thus preferably have a self-supporting and incompressible structure.
  • pore diameter of the pores of the hydrophilic, porous body less than or equal to 5 mm.
  • a membrane contactor according to the invention consisting of at least one tubular membrane and hydrophilic porous body understood.
  • the function of a Membrane contact lies in it, over that in it contained at least one tubular membrane sterilization to reach the water while the hydrophilic porous body as surface enlarging Contact medium between air and sterile water serves.
  • the membrane contactor according to the invention can in conventional humidifiers in the form of a module individually, with other modules and the water supply installed in series or in parallel his.
  • membrane contactor in a humidifier wherever humidified aseptic Air is necessary, for example in air conditioning systems both stationary, for example in buildings, as well as in mobile units like vehicles, in room humidifiers, sterile benches, operating theaters, Laboratories, in the manufacture of Drugs or sterile equipment or at the Storage of valuable cultural goods such as books or in storage and exhibition rooms, museums Etc..
  • a membrane means a technical membrane, particularly preferably a thin, foil-like and microporous separation layer.
  • Such one porous membrane can have a foam-like network structure exhibit.
  • the use is homogeneous trained membranes as well as the use asymmetrical, for example from a support and separation layer of constructed membranes.
  • the membrane according to the invention is more preferred So way a membrane filter, which is particularly preferred
  • ceramic or polymeric material for example cellulose derivatives, Polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polysulfone and / or Teflon can be made and from this exists or in substantial parts, contains in particular more than 50% by weight.
  • the membranes are 50 to 250 ⁇ m thick.
  • the membranes according to the invention are tubular or tubular membrane.
  • capillary membranes can also be provided or hollow fiber membranes to bundles of summarize tubular tubes and bundles to integrate into the hydrophilic body.
  • the invention provides a particularly preferred one Embodiment before that the at least one tubular membrane a ceramic tube membrane or a polymer Filtration membrane, in particular microfiltration membrane is.
  • a ceramic tube membrane or a polymer Filtration membrane in particular microfiltration membrane is.
  • you can too other tubular membranes can be used as long as they essentially tubular shapes as well as a pore diameter have the retention of microorganisms, for example bacteria, fours, cells of human, animal or vegetable origin, Parts thereof and / or high molecular substances allows.
  • the tubular membranes have pores with a diameter from ⁇ 0.2 ⁇ m, in particular from 0.01 to 0.20 ⁇ m, on.
  • Filtration hollow fibers can also be used, in particular Microfiltration hollow fibers can be used.
  • the inside diameter of the tubular membrane in one Range from 200 ⁇ m to 16 mm.
  • the invention therefore provides the water, which possibly contains germs, by at least a tubular membrane, i.e. a tubular or tubular one trained membrane, in a hydrophilic porous body is guided.
  • the water enters the hydrophilic porous body through the pores of the Membrane across the body.
  • the pores of the membrane are so small are that neither microorganisms nor fragments lysed microorganisms or larger ones, possibly Toxic or allergenic molecules, the membrane can happen.
  • the tubular membrane works as a filter for unwanted ingredients of the water.
  • the one leaving the tubular membrane Water is therefore germ-free. This water gets into the pores of the porous body and gets through there Capillary forces on the entire inner and upper Distributed area of the body.
  • the one to be moistened Air is passed through the porous body and can be there on a comparatively large area absorb germ-free water.
  • the actual membrane area that is to say the area of the tubular membrane, can advantageously be comparatively small, since the exchange area is largely provided by the inner and outer surfaces of the hydrophilic porous body and the filtration performance of the tubular membranes used according to the invention is very high and values of more than 1000 l / m 2 h bar reached.
  • the invention provides a particularly preferred one Embodiment before, the tubular membrane meandering or helical through the porous body to lead. It can of course also be provided several tubular membranes, for example in parallel, through the body, including this passed through the body in any other way can be.
  • the invention provides another preferred Embodiment that the hydrophilic, porous Body is cuboid and accordingly four side faces and two opposite inflow and has outflow surfaces.
  • the cuboid is larger than each is one of its side faces, preferably by a factor of 2 to 50, particularly preferably 10 to 30th
  • the surfaces differentiate between inflow and outflow surface, for example, the outflow area is larger than that The flow area is so that the flow guidance favor.
  • the invention provides another preferred Embodiment before that the longitudinal axis, preferably the longitudinal axes of the at least one tubular membrane, preferably of the several tubular membranes, in at least one plane parallel to the inflow surface of the hydrophilic porous body.
  • the tubular membrane in a or in several planes parallel to the inflow surface of the hydrophilic porous body.
  • the invention also provides for a Humidifier, which has a housing and air supply and air discharge devices, one according to the invention Membrane contactor and possibly devices to move the air, such as pumps or fans, contains.
  • a Humidifier which has a housing and air supply and air discharge devices, one according to the invention Membrane contactor and possibly devices to move the air, such as pumps or fans, contains.
  • the invention also provides that the membrane contactors of the present invention to a modular system consisting of several membrane contactors can be put together, whereby quite a few hydrophilic, porous bodies one or can use several common pipe membranes, that means that this tubular membrane (s) through runs several bodies.
  • the invention also air conditioning systems according to the invention Membrane contactors or humidifiers contain.
  • the invention also relates to a method for aseptic Humidifying air, water in the at least one microporous, water-permeable, for microorganisms and high molecular components impermeable tubular membrane of a humidifier performed the present invention from there the pores of the tubular membrane in the hydrophilic porous Humidifier body respectively Membrane contact arrives, distributed there and from one passed through the hydrophilic porous body Airflow is recorded.
  • the invention provides another preferred Embodiment a method above, wherein the air flow perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Tubular membrane in the hydrophilic porous body of the Membrane contactor is initiated.
  • the invention has the advantage that short Diffusion paths for the water perpendicular to the Air flow direction are present and that because the short, very different in flow cross-section shaped sections of the pores through which they flow, which also cross-links with others Have pores, do not form laminar flows. According to the invention, this has the advantage that none Mixing zone after the humidification zone is necessary.
  • the only figure shows: a membrane contactor according to the invention.
  • the figure shows a membrane contactor 1 from a hydrophilic porous cuboid body 3 made of ceramic Material and one running through it ceramic tube membrane 5.
  • the figure shows also the pores 7 of the body 3 and the on and Direction of air flow in the form of large Arrows.
  • the figure shows the course of the tubular membrane 5, designed as a tubular microfiltration membrane is, the three branches 9, 11 and 13 of Pipe membrane 5 with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and in a parallel to the inflow surface Level are arranged in the center of the body 3. Not are shown or only hinted at arcuate connectors of branches 9, 11 and 13 of the tubular membrane 5. Also not shown the pores of the tubular membrane 5, which have a diameter of 0.1 ⁇ m.
  • the hydrophilic, porous ceramic body 3 comprises two 2.5 cm thick ceramic plates, in their facing base areas semicircular channels are introduced, which serve to accommodate the tubular membrane 5.
  • the two Ceramic plates are made including the tubular membrane 5 placed on top of one another and by means of a suitable one Fixative connected.
  • the educated one Membrane contactor 1 is shown in a not shown Humidifier positioned in the airflow so that this is perpendicular to the face or face 15, one of the two largest areas of the cuboid flows.
  • the tubular membrane 5 runs perpendicular to the air flow direction.
  • Water is brought under pressure into the body 3 through the tubular membrane 5, which is encased outside of the body 3 in a watertight manner, for example by means of a film (small arrow in the figure), and there it passes through the membrane pores into the body 3. Undesired microorganisms, their fragments and high-molecular components are retained in the tubular membrane 5.
  • the water is distributed through the capillary forces over the entire inner and outer surface of the porous structure.
  • the air to be humidified flows perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tubular membrane 5 into the porous hydrophilic body 3 and absorbs the aseptic water.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Air Humidification (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air humidifier and to a method for humidifying air, the use of special devices enabling air to be humidified with sterile water. A large contact area between water and air is combined with low losses of flow pressure. A membrane contactor having at least one tube membrane embedded in a hydrophilic, porous body comprises the air humidifier. The present invention enables use of coarse filters to ensure that the water is dispersed over a large surface area.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Befeuchtung von Luft ebenso wie ein Verfahren zur Luftbefeuchtung unter Einsatz dieser Vorrichtung.The present invention relates to a device for humidifying air as well as a process for humidification using this device.

Der Einsatz von Luft einer bestimmten Feuchte ist in vielen Fällen erwünscht beziehungsweise notwendig, zum Beispiel in der Klimatechnik oder der Medizin. Luft aus Druckluftleitungen oder Flaschen ist in der Regel zu trocken, während Umgebungsluft große Schwankungen hinsichtlich ihrer Feuchte aufweist und zudem in ihrer Zusammensetzung oft nicht den Anforderungen genügt.The use of air of a certain humidity is in many cases desired or necessary, for example in air conditioning technology or medicine. Air from compressed air lines or bottles is usually too dry while ambient air shows large fluctuations in their moisture and often not in their composition meets the requirements.

Für die Befeuchtung von Luft werden verschiedene Verfahren angewendet. In den meisten Fällen wird Wasser versprüht oder verdampft. So verwendet ein gängiges Verfahren zum Beispiel ein offenes Wasser-Reservoir, aus dem Flüssigkeit abgepumpt und in den Luftstrom eingesprüht wird. Das nicht vom Luftstrom aufgenommene Wasser fließt in das Reservoir zurück. In diesem Wasser-Reservoir vermehren sich die eingetragenen Mikroorganismen und können nur durch Einsatz von Chemikalien kontrolliert werden. Die befeuchtete Luft ist daher in vielen Fällen in unerwünschter Weise Chemikalien-belastet.Various are used for humidifying air Procedure applied. In most cases Water sprays or evaporates. So used one common procedure for example an open water reservoir, pumped out of the liquid and into the Airflow is sprayed. Not from the airflow absorbed water flows back into the reservoir. The registered ones multiply in this water reservoir Microorganisms and can only by Use of chemicals are controlled. The humidified air is therefore undesirable in many cases Way chemical-polluted.

Die US 5,273,689 beschreibt eine Wasserverdampfungsleitung, die in einer Luftbefeuchtungsanlage eingesetzt werden kann. Die Wasserverdampfungsleitung umfasst eine Wasserverdampfungs-Rohrleitung aus einem porösen hydrophoben Polymer, beispielsweise Polyolefin, Polycarbonat etc. Diese poröse hydrophobe Leitung ist an ihrer Innenseite mit einer Schicht eines hydrophilen Wasserdampfdurchlässigen Materials überzogen, das keine Poren aufweist. Das durch die Wasserverdampfungsleitung strömende Wasser kann daher nur in Form von Wasserdampf aus der Leitung in die Umgebung gelangen und dort die Luft anfeuchten.US 5,273,689 describes a water evaporation line, that in an air humidification system can be used. The water evaporation pipe includes a water evaporation pipeline made of a porous hydrophobic polymer, for example Polyolefin, polycarbonate etc. This porous The inside of the hydrophobic pipe has a Layer of a hydrophilic water vapor permeable Material covered that has no pores having. That through the water evaporation pipe flowing water can therefore only be in the form of water vapor get into the environment from the line and humidify the air there.

Um dem Mikroorganismenbefall zu begegnen, wurden Verfahren entwickelt, gemäß derer das Befeuchtungswasser erhitzt wurde. Es stellte sich allerdings heraus, daß auch abgetötete Mikroorganismen beziehungsweise deren Zellbestandteile den Atemtrakt von Menschen belasten können. Alternativ dazu wurden daher Verfahren entwickelt, die das Einbringen von Wasserdampf in die zu befeuchtende Luft vorsehen. Dabei wird das Wasser bis zum Siedepunkt erhitzt und nur die dampfförmige Phase für die Befeuchtung genutzt. Ein Nachteil dabei sind die notwendigen langen Mischstrecken, um eine gleichmäßige Befeuchtung zu erreichen. Schließlich ist es bekannt, Wasser direkt in dem zu klimatisierenden Raum zu versprühen. Dazu ist allerdings eine optimale Verteilung von sehr vielen Düsen notwendig, um überall im Raum eine gleichmäßige Feuchte zu erzielen. Dieses System ist zudem nicht ohne weitere Maßnahmen in eine vorhandene Klimatisierungsanlage zu integrieren.To counter the microorganism infestation, method developed according to which the dampening water heats has been. However, it turned out that also killed microorganisms or their Cell components strain the respiratory tract of humans can. As an alternative, procedures have therefore been adopted developed the introduction of water vapor provide in the air to be humidified. Doing so the water heats up to the boiling point and only the vapor phase used for humidification. On The disadvantage here is the long mixing distances required, to achieve even humidification. After all, it is known to water directly to spray in the room to be air-conditioned. To however, is an optimal distribution of very many nozzles necessary to get a to achieve even moisture. This system is also not without further measures in an existing Integrate air conditioning system.

Bekannt ist es beispielsweise aus der EP 0 370 540 A1 und der US 5,348,691 eine Sterilisierung von Wasser durch Filtration mit Membranen zu erzielen. Gemäß der dort beschriebenen Verfahren wird trockene Luft aus einem Gebläse durch einen Membrankontaktor geleitet, wobei der Membrankontaktor die flüssige Phase, also Wasser, von der Luft trennt und auf sehr kleinem Raum den Luftstrom einer großen Wasseroberfläche aussetzt. Von der Wasseroberfläche verdunsten die Wassermoleküle und treten in den Luftstrom über. Die eingesetzten Membranen sind hydrophile ebenso wie hydrophobe Membranen, vorzugsweise in Kapillarform. Für die üblicherweise großen Luftströme muß eine große Membranfläche bei geringem Strömungsdruckverlust bereitgestellt werden. Dies führt sowohl bei Flach-, als auch bei Hohlfasermembranen zu sehr kurzen Modulen mit sehr großen Stirn-, das heißt Anströmflächen. Um die erforderlichen geringen Druckverluste zu realisieren, müssen die Strömungskanäle relativ groß oder die Hohlfaserdurchmesser dürfen nicht zu klein sein. Dies bringt jedoch den Nachteil mit sich, daß keine hohe Packungsdichte erreicht werden kann. Zudem ist die großtechnische Herstellung derartiger Module bisher noch nicht erprobt und wird wohl ein sehr aufwendiges Verfahren mit sich bringen.It is known, for example, from EP 0 370 540 A1 and US 5,348,691 a sterilization of Achieve water by filtration with membranes. According to the method described there, dry Air from a blower through a membrane contactor passed, the membrane contactor separates liquid phase, i.e. water, from the air and in a very small space the air flow of a large one Exposes water surface. From the water surface the water molecules evaporate and enter the airflow over. The membranes used are hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic membranes, preferably in capillary form. For the usually large air flows must have a large membrane area low flow pressure loss can be provided. This leads to both flat and Hollow fiber membranes to very short modules with very large end faces, that is, inflow surfaces. To the required to realize low pressure losses, the flow channels must be relatively large or Hollow fiber diameters must not be too small. However, this has the disadvantage that none high packing density can be achieved. In addition is the large-scale production of such modules not yet tried and will probably be a very involve complex procedures.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher das technische Problem zugrunde, einen Luftbefeuchter zur Verfügung zu stellen, der die vorgenannten Nachteile überwindet, insbesondere eine große Kontaktfläche von Wasser zu Luft bei gleichzeitig geringem Strömungsdruckverlust bereitstellt.The present invention is therefore technical Problem with using a humidifier To provide the aforementioned disadvantages overcomes, especially a large contact area from water to air with little at the same time Provides flow pressure loss.

Die vorliegende Erfindung löst dieses technische Problem durch die Bereitstellung eines Luftbefeuchters, umfassend einen Membrankontaktor, wobei der Membrankontaktor einen hydrophilen, porösen Körper und mindestens eine in den hydrophilen, porösen Körper eingebettete mikroporöse Rohrmembran, die durchlässig für Wasser, jedoch undurchlässig für Mikroorganismen und hochmolekulare Bestandteile ist, aufweist. In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der hydrophile, poröse Körper ein Körper aus einem keramischen Material, im folgenden Keramikkörper genannt. Der Körper kann ausschließlich aus dem keramischen Material bestehen oder dieses in wesentlichen Mengen, vorzugsweise in einer Menge von mehr als 50 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Körpergewicht, enthalten. Erfindungsgemäß können zum Beispiel keramische Grobfilter eingesetzt werden, wie sie für die Metallschmelzenfilttration verwendet werden. In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der hydrophile, poröse Körper aus einem Polymer hergestellt, das heißt besteht aus diesem Polymer oder enthält dieses Polymer in wesentlichen Mengen, bevorzugt in einer Menge von mehr als 50 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Körpergewicht. Selbstverständlich ist es möglich, auch hydrophile poröse Körper aus anderen Materialien einzusetzen, sofern diese in der Lage sind, eine Verteilung des Wassers auf einer großen Oberfläche zu gewährleisten. Erfindungsgemäß können als ausschließlicher oder wesentlicher Bestandteil des Körpers auch organische oder anorganische Gewebe oder gewebeähnliche Strukturen eingesetzt werden, bestehend aus oder enthaltend in wesentlichen Teilen, bevorzugt zu mehr als 50 Gew.-% (bezogen auf Körpergewicht), poröses Fadenmaterial. Der Körper sollte hydrophil sein und eine poröse, das heißt oberflächenvergrößerte Struktur aufweisen. Zudem ist es notwendig, daß der hydrophile poröse Körper so fest und starr ist, daß durch die anströmende Luft keine Kompression und damit keine wesentliche Veränderung der Porenstruktur und Durchströmgeschwindigkeiten stattfindet. Erfindungsgemäß eingesetzte Körper weisen also vorzugsweise eine selbsttragende und inkompressible Struktur auf.The present invention solves this technical problem Problem by providing a humidifier, comprising a membrane contactor, the Membrane contactor a hydrophilic, porous body and at least one in the hydrophilic, porous Body embedded microporous tubular membrane that permeable to water, but impermeable to Microorganisms and high molecular components is. In a particularly preferred embodiment the invention is the hydrophilic, porous Body a body made of a ceramic material, hereinafter called ceramic body. The body can be made exclusively from the ceramic material exist or in substantial quantities, preferably in an amount of more than 50% by weight, based on body weight. According to the invention can, for example, use ceramic coarse filters are used as they are for molten metal filtration be used. In another preferred The embodiment of the invention is the hydrophilic, porous body made of a polymer, that is consists of this polymer or contains this polymer in substantial amounts, preferably in an amount of more than 50 wt .-%, based on the Body weight. Of course it is possible also hydrophilic porous bodies made of other materials if they are able to a distribution of water over a large surface to ensure. According to the invention as exclusive or essential part of the Body also organic or inorganic tissues or tissue-like structures are used, consisting of or containing essential parts, preferably more than 50% by weight (based on Body weight), porous thread material. The body should be hydrophilic and a porous, that is have an enlarged surface structure. moreover it is necessary that the hydrophilic porous body is so firm and rigid that the inflowing Air no compression and therefore no essential Change in pore structure and flow rates takes place. Used according to the invention Bodies thus preferably have a self-supporting and incompressible structure.

In bevorzugter Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist der Porendurchmesser der Poren des hydrophilen, porösen Körpers kleiner oder gleich 5 mm.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the pore diameter of the pores of the hydrophilic, porous body less than or equal to 5 mm.

Im Zusammenhang mit der vorliegenden Erfindung wird unter einem Membrankontaktor die erfindungsgemäße Einheit aus mindestens einer Rohrmembran und hydrophilem porösen Körper verstanden. Die Funktion eines Membrankontaktors liegt darin, über die in ihr enthaltene mindestens eine Rohrmembran eine Sterilisation des Wassers zu erreichen, während der hydrophile poröse Körper als oberflächenvergrößerndes Kontaktmittel zwischen Luft und keimfreiem Wasser dient. Der erfindungsgemäße Membrankontaktor kann in herkömmlichen Luftbefeuchtern in Form eines Moduls einzeln, mit anderen Modulen und der Wasserzuleitung in Reihe oder parallel geschaltet eingebaut sein. Der Einsatz des Membrankontaktors gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Luftbefeuchter kann überall dort erfolgen, wo befeuchtete keimfreie Luft notwendig ist, beispielsweise in Klimatisierungsanlagen sowohl stationär, zum Beispiel in Gebäuden, als auch in mobilen Einheiten wie Fahrzeugen, in Raumluftbefeuchtern, Sterilbänken, Operationssälen, Laboratorien, bei der Herstellung von Arzneimitteln oder sterilen Geräten oder bei der Aufbewahrung von wertvollen Kulturgütern wie Büchern oder in Lager- und Ausstellungsräumen, Museen etc..In connection with the present invention under a membrane contactor according to the invention Unit consisting of at least one tubular membrane and hydrophilic porous body understood. The function of a Membrane contact lies in it, over that in it contained at least one tubular membrane sterilization to reach the water while the hydrophilic porous body as surface enlarging Contact medium between air and sterile water serves. The membrane contactor according to the invention can in conventional humidifiers in the form of a module individually, with other modules and the water supply installed in series or in parallel his. The use of the membrane contactor according to the present invention in a humidifier wherever humidified aseptic Air is necessary, for example in air conditioning systems both stationary, for example in buildings, as well as in mobile units like vehicles, in room humidifiers, sterile benches, operating theaters, Laboratories, in the manufacture of Drugs or sterile equipment or at the Storage of valuable cultural goods such as books or in storage and exhibition rooms, museums Etc..

Im Zusammenhang mit der vorliegenden Erfindung wird unter einer Membran eine technische Membran verstanden, besonders bevorzugt eine dünne, folienartige und mikroporöse Trennschicht. Eine derartige poröse Membran kann eine schaumartige Netzstruktur aufweisen. Erfindungsgemäß ist der Einsatz homogen ausgebildeter Membranen ebenso möglich wie der Einsatz asymmetrisch, beispielsweise aus einer Stütz- und Trennschicht aufgebauter Membranen. In connection with the present invention a membrane means a technical membrane, particularly preferably a thin, foil-like and microporous separation layer. Such one porous membrane can have a foam-like network structure exhibit. According to the invention, the use is homogeneous trained membranes as well as the use asymmetrical, for example from a support and separation layer of constructed membranes.

Die erfindungsgemäße Membran ist in bevorzugter Weise also ein Membranfilter, der in besonders bevorzugter Weise zum Beispiel aus keramischen oder polymerem Material, zum Beispiel Cellulose-Derivaten, Polyamiden, Polyvinylchlorid, Polysulfon und/oder Teflon hergestellt sein kann und aus diesem besteht oder dieses in wesentlichen Teilen, insbesondere zu mehr als 50 Gew.-% enthält. In bevorzugter Weise sind die Membranen 50 bis 250 µm dick.The membrane according to the invention is more preferred So way a membrane filter, which is particularly preferred For example, ceramic or polymeric material, for example cellulose derivatives, Polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polysulfone and / or Teflon can be made and from this exists or in substantial parts, contains in particular more than 50% by weight. In preferred The membranes are 50 to 250 µm thick.

Die erfindungsgemäßen Membranen sind als Rohrmembran oder tubuläre Membran ausgeführt.The membranes according to the invention are tubular or tubular membrane.

Erfindungsgemäß kann auch vorgesehen sein, Kapillarmembranen oder Hohlfasermembranen zu Bündeln von tubulären Schläuchen zusammenzufassen und als Bündel in dem hydrophilen Körper zu integrieren.According to the invention, capillary membranes can also be provided or hollow fiber membranes to bundles of summarize tubular tubes and bundles to integrate into the hydrophilic body.

Die Erfindung sieht in einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform vor, daß die mindestens eine Rohrmembran eine keramische Rohrmembran oder eine polymere Filtrationsmembran, insbesondere Mikrofiltrationsmembran ist. Selbstverständlich können auch andere Rohrmembranen eingesetzt werden, solange sie im wesentlichen tubuläre Formen sowie einen Porendurchmesser aufweisen, der das Zurückhalten von Mikroorganismen, zum Beispiel Bakterien, Vieren, Zellen menschlicher, tierischer oder pflanzlicher Herkunft, Teilen davon und/oder hochmolekularen Substanzen ermöglicht. In besonders bevorzugter Weise weisen die Rohrmembranen Poren mit einem Durchmesser von <0,2 µm, insbesondere von 0,01 bis 0,20 µm, auf. Es können auch Filtrationshohlfasern, insbesondere Mikrofiltrationshohlfasern, eingesetzt werden.The invention provides a particularly preferred one Embodiment before that the at least one tubular membrane a ceramic tube membrane or a polymer Filtration membrane, in particular microfiltration membrane is. Of course you can too other tubular membranes can be used as long as they essentially tubular shapes as well as a pore diameter have the retention of microorganisms, for example bacteria, fours, cells of human, animal or vegetable origin, Parts thereof and / or high molecular substances allows. In a particularly preferred manner the tubular membranes have pores with a diameter from <0.2 µm, in particular from 0.01 to 0.20 µm, on. Filtration hollow fibers can also be used, in particular Microfiltration hollow fibers can be used.

In bevorzugter Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt der Innendurchmesser der Rohrmembran in einem Bereich von 200 µm bis 16 mm.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the inside diameter of the tubular membrane in one Range from 200 µm to 16 mm.

Die Erfindung sieht also vor, das Wasser, welches gegegebenenfalls Keime enthält, durch mindestens eine Rohrmembran, also eine tubulär oder schlauchförmig ausgebildete Membran, in einen hydrophilen porösen Körper geführt wird. Das Wasser tritt in dem hydrophilen porösen Körper durch die Poren der Membran in den Körper über. Erfindungsgemäß ist nun vorgesehen, daß die Poren der Membran so klein sind, daß weder Mikroorganismen noch Bruchstücke lysierter Mikroorganismen oder größere, eventuell toxisch oder allergen wirkende Moleküle, die Membran passieren können. Die Rohrmembran wirkt gleichsam also als Filter für unerwünschte Inhaltsstoffe des Wassers. Das die Rohrmembran verlassende Wasser ist daher keimfrei. Dieses Wasser gelangt in die Poren des porösen Körpers und wird dort durch Kapillarkräfte auf die gesamte innere und obere Fläche des Körpers verteilt. Die zu befeuchtende Luft wird durch den porösen Körper geleitet und kann dort auf einer vergleichsweise großen Fläche keimfreies Wasser aufnehmen.The invention therefore provides the water, which possibly contains germs, by at least a tubular membrane, i.e. a tubular or tubular one trained membrane, in a hydrophilic porous body is guided. The water enters the hydrophilic porous body through the pores of the Membrane across the body. According to the invention is now provided that the pores of the membrane are so small are that neither microorganisms nor fragments lysed microorganisms or larger ones, possibly Toxic or allergenic molecules, the membrane can happen. The tubular membrane works as a filter for unwanted ingredients of the water. The one leaving the tubular membrane Water is therefore germ-free. This water gets into the pores of the porous body and gets through there Capillary forces on the entire inner and upper Distributed area of the body. The one to be moistened Air is passed through the porous body and can be there on a comparatively large area absorb germ-free water.

Vorteilhafterweise kann die eigentliche Membranfläche, das heißt die Fläche der Rohrmembran, vergleichsweise klein sein, da die Austauschfläche größtenteils durch die Innen- und Außenflächen des hydrophilen porösen Körpers bereitgestellt wird und die Filtrationsleistung der erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Rohrmembranen sehr hoch ist und Werte von mehr als 1000 l/m2 h bar erreicht.The actual membrane area, that is to say the area of the tubular membrane, can advantageously be comparatively small, since the exchange area is largely provided by the inner and outer surfaces of the hydrophilic porous body and the filtration performance of the tubular membranes used according to the invention is very high and values of more than 1000 l / m 2 h bar reached.

Die Erfindung sieht in einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform vor, die Rohrmembran mäanderförmig oder schneckenförmig durch den porösen Körper zu führen. Es kann selbstverständlich auch vorgesehen werden, mehrere Rohrmembranen, zum Beispiel parallel, durch den Körper zu führen, wobei diese auch in beliebiger anderer Weise durch den Körper geführt werden können. Vorzugsweise wird die mindestens eine Rohrmembran so durch den hydrophilen porösen Körper geführt, daß eine gleichmäßige Zufuhr von Wasser in den gesamten vom Luftstrom erreichten Bereich des hydrophilen porösen Körpers gewährleistet wird, wobei die Verteilung der Rohrmembranen also auf die Größe und die Porösität des hydrophilen Körpers sowie den Luftstrom abgestimmt werden muß.The invention provides a particularly preferred one Embodiment before, the tubular membrane meandering or helical through the porous body to lead. It can of course also be provided several tubular membranes, for example in parallel, through the body, including this passed through the body in any other way can be. Preferably the at least a tubular membrane through the hydrophilic porous Body guided that an even supply of water in all of the airflow reached Guaranteed area of the hydrophilic porous body being, the distribution of the tubular membranes so on the size and porosity of the hydrophilic Body as well as the air flow can be matched got to.

Die Erfindung sieht in einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform vor, daß der hydrophile, poröse Körper quaderförmig ist und demgemäß vier Seitenflächen und zwei sich gegenüberliegende Anström- und Ausströmflächen aufweist. In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß sowohl die An- und als auch die Ausströmfläche des Quaders jeweils größer als jede einzelne von dessen Seitenflächen ist, vorzugsweise um den Faktor 2 bis 50, besonders bevorzugt 10 bis 30. The invention provides another preferred Embodiment that the hydrophilic, porous Body is cuboid and accordingly four side faces and two opposite inflow and has outflow surfaces. In another preferred Embodiment of the invention is provided that both the inflow and outflow surface the cuboid is larger than each is one of its side faces, preferably by a factor of 2 to 50, particularly preferably 10 to 30th

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, daß sich die Flächen von An- und Ausströmfläche voneinander unterscheiden, zum Beispiel die Ausströmfläche größer als die Anströmfläche ist, um so die Strömungsführung zu begünstigen.It can also be provided that the surfaces differentiate between inflow and outflow surface, for example, the outflow area is larger than that The flow area is so that the flow guidance favor.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung beträgt das Verhältnis von Anströmfläche des hydrophilen porösen Körpers zur Fläche der in dem hydrophilen porösen Körper eingelassenen Rohrmembran 10 bis 25, vorzugsweise 15 bis 25, insbesondere 20.In a further preferred embodiment of the Invention is the ratio of the inflow area of the hydrophilic porous body to the surface of the in the tubular membrane embedded in the hydrophilic porous body 10 to 25, preferably 15 to 25, in particular 20th

Die Erfindung sieht in einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform vor, daß die Längsachse, vorzugsweise die Längsachsen, der mindestens einen Rohrmembran, vorzugsweise der mehreren Rohrmembranen, in mindestens einer Ebene parallel zur Anströmfläche des hydrophilen porösen Körpers liegen. Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, daß die Rohrmembran in einer oder in mehreren Ebenen parallel zur Anströmfläche des hydrophilen porösen Körpers liegen.The invention provides another preferred Embodiment before that the longitudinal axis, preferably the longitudinal axes of the at least one tubular membrane, preferably of the several tubular membranes, in at least one plane parallel to the inflow surface of the hydrophilic porous body. there can be provided that the tubular membrane in a or in several planes parallel to the inflow surface of the hydrophilic porous body.

Die Erfindung sieht auch die Bereitstellung eines Luftbefeuchters vor, der ein Gehäuse sowie Luftzu- und Luftabführeinrichtungen, einen erfindungsgemäßen Membrankontaktor sowie gegebenenfalls Vorrichtungen zur Bewegung der Luft, wie Pumpen oder Ventilatoren, enthält. Die Erfindung sieht auch vor, daß die Membrankontaktoren der vorliegenden Erfindung zu einem modularen System aus mehreren Membrankontaktoren zusammengesteckt werden können, wobei durchaus mehrere hydrophile, poröse Körper eine oder mehrere gemeinsame Rohrmembranen nutzen können, das heißt, daß diese Rohrmembran(en) durch mehrere Körper verläuft. Selbstverständlich betrifft die Erfindung auch Klimaanlagen, die erfindungsgemäß Membrankontaktoren oder Luftbefeuchter enthalten.The invention also provides for a Humidifier, which has a housing and air supply and air discharge devices, one according to the invention Membrane contactor and possibly devices to move the air, such as pumps or fans, contains. The invention also provides that the membrane contactors of the present invention to a modular system consisting of several membrane contactors can be put together, whereby quite a few hydrophilic, porous bodies one or can use several common pipe membranes, that means that this tubular membrane (s) through runs several bodies. Of course concerns the invention also air conditioning systems according to the invention Membrane contactors or humidifiers contain.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zum keimfreien Befeuchten von Luft, wobei Wasser in die mindestens eine mikroporöse, wasserdurchlässige, für Mikroorganismen und hochmolekulare Bestandteile undurchlässige Rohrmembran eines Luftbefeuchters der vorliegenden Erfindung geführt, von dort durch die Poren der Rohrmembran in den hydrophilen porösen Körper des Luftbefeuchters beziehungsweise Membrankontaktors gelangt, dort verteilt und von einem durch den hydrophilen porösen Körper geleiteten Luftstrom aufgenommen wird.The invention also relates to a method for aseptic Humidifying air, water in the at least one microporous, water-permeable, for microorganisms and high molecular components impermeable tubular membrane of a humidifier performed the present invention from there the pores of the tubular membrane in the hydrophilic porous Humidifier body respectively Membrane contact arrives, distributed there and from one passed through the hydrophilic porous body Airflow is recorded.

Die Erfindung sieht in einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform ein vorgenanntes Verfahren vor, wobei der Luftstrom senkrecht zur Längsachse der Rohrmembran in den hydrophilen porösen Körper des Membrankontaktors eingeleitet wird.The invention provides another preferred Embodiment a method above, wherein the air flow perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Tubular membrane in the hydrophilic porous body of the Membrane contactor is initiated.

Die Erfindung weist dabei den Vorteil auf, daß kurze Diffusionsstrecken für das Wasser senkrecht zur Luftströmungsrichtung vorliegen und daß sich wegen der kurzen, im Strömungsquerschnitt sehr unterschiedlich geformten Strecken der durchströmten Poren, die außerdem noch Querverbindungen mit anderen Poren haben, keine laminaren Strömungen ausbilden. Dies hat erfindungsgemäß den Vorteil, daß keine Mischzone nach der Befeuchtungszone notwendig ist. The invention has the advantage that short Diffusion paths for the water perpendicular to the Air flow direction are present and that because the short, very different in flow cross-section shaped sections of the pores through which they flow, which also cross-links with others Have pores, do not form laminar flows. According to the invention, this has the advantage that none Mixing zone after the humidification zone is necessary.

Die Erfindung wird anhand des nachfolgenden Beispieles und der dazugehörigen Figur näher erläutert.The invention is illustrated by the following example and the associated figure explained.

Die einzige Figur zeigt:
einen erfindungsgemäßen Membrankontaktor.The only figure shows:
a membrane contactor according to the invention.

Die Figur zeigt einen Membrankontaktor 1 aus einem hydrophilen porösen quaderförmigen Körper 3 aus keramischem Material und einer durch diesen verlaufenden keramischen Rohrmembran 5. Dargestellt sind auch die Poren 7 des Körpers 3 und die An- und Durchströmrichtung der Luft in Form der großen Pfeile. Die Figur zeigt den Verlauf der Rohrmembran 5, die als tubuläre Mikrofiltrationsmembran ausgeführt ist, wobei die drei Äste 9, 11 und 13 der Rohrmembran 5 mit ihren Längsachsen parallel zueinander und in einer zu der Anströmfläche parallelen Ebene mittig in dem Körper 3 angeordnet sind. Nicht dargestellt beziehungsweise nur angedeutet sind die bogenförmigen Verbindungsstücke der Äste 9, 11 und 13 der Rohrmembran 5. Nicht dargestellt sind auch die Poren der Rohrmembran 5, die einen Durchmesser von 0,1 µm aufweisen. Der hydrophile, poröse Keramikkörper 3 umfaßt zwei jeweils 2,5 cm dicke Keramikplatten, in deren zueinander weisenden Grundflächen halbkreisförmige Kanäle eingebracht werden, die der Aufnahme der Rohrmembran 5 dienen. Die beiden Keramikplatten werden unter Einschluß der Rohrmembran 5 aufeinandergelegt und mittels eines geeigneten Fixiermittels verbunden. Der so gebildete Membrankontaktor 1 wird in einem nicht dargestellten Luftbefeuchter so im Luftstrom positioniert, daß dieser senkrecht auf die Stirn- oder Anströmfläche 15, also eine der beiden größten Flächen, des Quaders strömt. Die Rohrmembran 5 verläuft senkrecht zur Anströmrichtung der Luft. Selbstverständlich kann eine andere Anordnung oder Anzahl der Rohrmembran 5 in dem Körper 3 vorgesehen sein. Für die effiziente Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist es wünschenswert, daß der hydrophile poröse Körper 3 möglichst gleichmäßig mit Wasser durch die Rohrmembran 5 versorgt wird.The figure shows a membrane contactor 1 from a hydrophilic porous cuboid body 3 made of ceramic Material and one running through it ceramic tube membrane 5. Are shown also the pores 7 of the body 3 and the on and Direction of air flow in the form of large Arrows. The figure shows the course of the tubular membrane 5, designed as a tubular microfiltration membrane is, the three branches 9, 11 and 13 of Pipe membrane 5 with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and in a parallel to the inflow surface Level are arranged in the center of the body 3. Not are shown or only hinted at arcuate connectors of branches 9, 11 and 13 of the tubular membrane 5. Also not shown the pores of the tubular membrane 5, which have a diameter of 0.1 µm. The hydrophilic, porous ceramic body 3 comprises two 2.5 cm thick ceramic plates, in their facing base areas semicircular channels are introduced, which serve to accommodate the tubular membrane 5. The two Ceramic plates are made including the tubular membrane 5 placed on top of one another and by means of a suitable one Fixative connected. The educated one Membrane contactor 1 is shown in a not shown Humidifier positioned in the airflow so that this is perpendicular to the face or face 15, one of the two largest areas of the cuboid flows. The tubular membrane 5 runs perpendicular to the air flow direction. Of course can be a different arrangement or number the tubular membrane 5 can be provided in the body 3. For the efficient implementation of the invention Process, it is desirable that the hydrophilic porous body 3 as evenly as possible Water is supplied through the tubular membrane 5.

Wasser wird durch die Rohrmembran 5, die außerhalb des Körpers 3 wasserdicht beispielsweise mittels einer Folie umhüllt ist, unter Druck in den Körper 3 verbracht (kleiner Pfeil in der Figur) und tritt dort durch die Membranporen in den Körper 3 über. Dabei werden unerwünschte Mikroorganismen, deren Bruchstücke und hochmolekulare Bestandteile in der Rohrmembran 5 zurückgehalten. Das Wasser verteilt sich durch die Kapillarkräfte auf der gesamten inneren und äußeren Oberfläche der porösen Struktur. Senkrecht zur Längsachse der Rohrmembran 5 strömt die zu befeuchtende Luft in den porösen hydrophilen Körper 3 ein und nimmt das keimfreie Wasser auf. Aufgrund der kurzen Diffusionsstrecken für das Wasser senkrecht zur Luftströmungsrichtung und der kurzen, im Strömungsquerschnitt sehr unterschiedlich geformten Strecken der durchströmten Poren, bilden sich keine laminaren Strömungen aus. Bei Luftgeschwindigkeiten von 2,5 m/s können Befeuchtungsleistungen von 50 bis 100 kg/h m2 Anströmfläche erzielt werden. Für die Sättigung trockener Luft benötigt man unter Normbedingungen 17 g Wasser pro 1 Nm3 Luft. Vorteilhafterweise wird durch den angelegten Druck auf der Wasserseite gerade so viel keimfreies Wasser durch die Membran 5 gepreßt, wie es zur Erlangung einer bestimmten Feuchte des durch den porösen Körper 3 geblasenen Luftstroms notwendig ist. Dadurch wird erreicht, daß kein überschüssiges Wasser aufgearbeitet und eingesetzt wird.Water is brought under pressure into the body 3 through the tubular membrane 5, which is encased outside of the body 3 in a watertight manner, for example by means of a film (small arrow in the figure), and there it passes through the membrane pores into the body 3. Undesired microorganisms, their fragments and high-molecular components are retained in the tubular membrane 5. The water is distributed through the capillary forces over the entire inner and outer surface of the porous structure. The air to be humidified flows perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tubular membrane 5 into the porous hydrophilic body 3 and absorbs the aseptic water. Due to the short diffusion distances for the water perpendicular to the direction of air flow and the short distances of the pores through which the flow cross section is very different, no laminar flows are formed. At air speeds of 2.5 m / s, humidification capacities of 50 to 100 kg / hm 2 inflow area can be achieved. For the saturation of dry air, 17 g of water per 1 Nm 3 of air are required under standard conditions. Advantageously, as much aseptic water is pressed through the membrane 5 by the applied pressure on the water side, as is necessary to achieve a certain humidity of the air stream blown through the porous body 3. This ensures that no excess water is processed and used.

Claims (16)

  1. Air humidifier comprising a membrane contactor, wherein the membrane contactor (1) has a hydrophilic porous body (3) and at least one microporous tubular membrane (5), which is embedded in the hydrophilic porous body (3) and is permeable to water, but impermeable to micro-organisms and high-molecular constituents.
  2. Air humidifier according to Claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic porous body (3) is made of ceramic material or contains this in substantial proportions.
  3. Air humidifier according to Claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic porous body (3) is made of a polymer or contains this in substantial proportions.
  4. Air humidifier according to Claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic porous body (3) is made of fabric or fabric-like structures, preferably ofporous thread material, with a hydrophilic surface or contains this in substantial proportions.
  5. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pores (7) of the hydrophilic porous body (3) have a diameter of < 5 mm.
  6. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular membrane (5) is made of ceramic or polymer material or contains this in substantial proportions.
  7. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular membrane (5) is a microfiltration hollow fibre or tubular microfiltration membrane.
  8. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pores of the tubular membrane (5) have a diameter of £ 0.2 µm.
  9. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular membrane (5) has an inside diameter of 200 µm to approximately 16 mm.
  10. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophilic porous body (3) is parallelepipedal.
  11. Air humidifier according to Claim 10, wherein the surface (15) of the parallelepiped facing the flow is larger than any of its side faces (19).
  12. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one tubular membrane (5) is disposed in meander form in the hydrophilic porous body (3).
  13. Air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one tubular membrane (5) lies in a plane parallel to the surface (15) of the body (3) facing the flow.
  14. Process for the sterile humidification of air, wherein water is directed into the at least one microporous water-permeable tubular membrane, which is impermeable to micro-organisms and high-molecular constituents, of an air humidifier according to one of the preceding claims, from there passes into the hydrophilic porous body, is distributed there and taken up by an air flow directed through the hydrophilic porous body.
  15. Process according to Claim 14, wherein the water passes through pores of the tubular membrane (5) with a diameter of < 0.2 µm into the hydrophilic porous body.
  16. Process according to Claim 14 or 15, wherein the air flow is directed into the hydrophilic porous body perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular membrane.
EP00912455A 1999-03-10 2000-02-11 Air humidifier Expired - Lifetime EP1080331B1 (en)

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DE19910441A DE19910441C1 (en) 1999-03-10 1999-03-10 Air humidifier comprises membrane contactor which has at least one tube membrane embedded in hydrophile porous body of ceramic, polymer or fabric preferably of porous thread material with hydrophilic surface
DE19910441 1999-03-10
PCT/EP2000/001124 WO2000053977A2 (en) 1999-03-10 2000-02-11 Air humidifier

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JP3758695B2 (en) 1994-11-24 2006-03-22 ジャパンゴアテックス株式会社 humidifier
JP3491010B2 (en) 1996-03-21 2004-01-26 新晃工業株式会社 Humidifier and its operation system
DE19623245C2 (en) * 1996-05-30 1999-07-29 Herbst Donald Heat exchanger

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2002539404A (en) 2002-11-19
DE19910441C1 (en) 2000-06-21
ES2215038T3 (en) 2004-10-01
US6474628B1 (en) 2002-11-05
ATE259047T1 (en) 2004-02-15
DE50005175D1 (en) 2004-03-11
WO2000053977A3 (en) 2000-12-28
DK1080331T3 (en) 2004-06-14
PT1080331E (en) 2004-06-30
EP1080331A2 (en) 2001-03-07
WO2000053977A2 (en) 2000-09-14

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